Provinces, Vicariates, and Districts

The Congregation of Holy Cross carries out our ministries and lives our religious life in local houses and communities. The local houses and communities are organized into larger regional units, known as Provinces, Districts, and Vicariates. These structures exist to coordinate and to fulfill more effectively the work entrust to us, both locally and internationally.

Within each jurisdiction, the highest governing authority is vested in the Chapter, an assembly composed of members of the respective Province, District, or Vicariate. The Chapter meets periodically to review the state of the jurisdiction's common life and mission, determine major policies, and elect superiors as well as others involved in the administration of the sector and of the Congregation. Each jurisdiction also has a Superior, ordinarily elected by the Chapter, who with his Council provides pastoral and administrative leadership.

Provinces are established by the General Chapter of the Congregation. While working in concert with the Superior General and the rest of the Congregation, they are given certain authority and powers to direct the common life and work of the Congregation in that sector. Districts are sectors of a Province outside the Province's geographical boundaries but under its jurisdiction. They are established by Provincial Chapters. Since 1968, the district structure has been used as a way of establishing new missions. Vicariates are a recent structure in the Congregation designed to serve smaller units of local houses and communities in a particular region or culture. They are established by the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, after consultation with the membership.

The following are the jurisdictions in the countires where the Congregation serves: